conscious discipline
October 2008 
Serendipitous MT Moments #9
Posted on Aug 23rd, 2007
by 
Halal the Giraffe
Halal the Giraffe
Class of three 1st graders with significant hearing impairments. We're talking about the jobs they have during MT - putting the guitar in the case, zipping up the case, erasing the white board, managing the instruments, etc. - which were assigned on Tuesday. D. is the board eraser. D. doesn't want to be the board eraser. D. starts to cry because D. doesn't know how else to handle his disappointment and frustration.
We've been talking a lot in there about how to "Be a S.T.A.R" (Stop, Take a deep breath, And Relax) and how we can help our friends remember to do this when they are sad/mad/frustrated. We've acted it out - which as been funny - and then bless D.'s heart, he gives us the perfect opportunity to practice in real life. We cue K. to remind D. about being a STAR.
tap tap tap.
D. looks over at his friend tentatively.
K. signed: "stop. breathe. relax."
I wanted to cry.
And then, better yet, D. did stop, take a breath, and smile.
It's as if I believe in this stuff on one level, you know, maybe for myself. But to teach it and really expect them to use it? Maybe I haven't fully bought in myself.
Once D. had it really together, I gave him a second job for the day -- "S.T.A.R. Reminder," complete with magic star wand.
We've been talking a lot in there about how to "Be a S.T.A.R" (Stop, Take a deep breath, And Relax) and how we can help our friends remember to do this when they are sad/mad/frustrated. We've acted it out - which as been funny - and then bless D.'s heart, he gives us the perfect opportunity to practice in real life. We cue K. to remind D. about being a STAR.
tap tap tap.
D. looks over at his friend tentatively.
K. signed: "stop. breathe. relax."
I wanted to cry.
And then, better yet, D. did stop, take a breath, and smile.
It's as if I believe in this stuff on one level, you know, maybe for myself. But to teach it and really expect them to use it? Maybe I haven't fully bought in myself.
Once D. had it really together, I gave him a second job for the day -- "S.T.A.R. Reminder," complete with magic star wand.
Access: PublicTagged with: work, Conscious Discipline
It's as if I believe in this stuff on one level, you know, maybe for myself. But to teach it and really expect them to use it? Maybe I haven't fully bought in myself.
That's such a great observation…and it's so great that the kids are proving to you that it works!!
I chuckled in recognition as I read this. I've got my signs up around the apartment that encourage me to “breathe” and “integrate” and “relax.” I do everything I can to create a serene atmosphere in my home. Yet it's still so hard to “buy in” the way I want to.
I love the fact that your work with your students invites you again and again to engage in the same disciplines. That rules.
Thanks ladies. As I take this time to view my job differently, it's interesting to see it as a spiritual discipline in addition to my paycheck!